Reese hit a three-pointer in the blowout win
Angel Reese is one of the unquestioned stars of college basketball. The LSU forward played a pivotal role in guiding the program to a surprise national championship in 2023, and her multifaceted skill set has the 10th-ranked Tigers in the mix again this year.
Reese has also become known for her showmanship and her controversies off the court — but if Sunday’s 31-point win over the Arkansas Razorbacks is any indication, Reese could soon unlock another part of her game that might help LSU reach new heights on it.
A rarity for Reese
Entering Sunday’s game, Reese had made only four three-pointers from 29 attempts in her four-year college career. Since transferring to LSU before the 2022/23 season, Reese had shot 12 three-pointers and made just one — before Sunday, when the Razorbacks came to town and LSU built a huge early lead.
With the Tigers ahead by 22 points late in the second quarter, Reese took a pass from Last-Tear Poa at the top of the three-point arc. After hesitating for a second, Reese decided to launch a three-pointer — and she rattled it home to extend the lead to 25 points.
Angel Reese for THREE?! 👑
📺ESPN | @Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/BuOQIfglm9
— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) January 21, 2024
The Tigers led by 27 at halftime and went on to win 99-68, as Reese hauled in a game-high 17 rebounds to go along with her 16 points.
Kim Mulkey’s message to those to who critique Angel Reese’s game: “Be careful.”#LSU pic.twitter.com/r9eYtO4cXQ
— Cory Diaz (@ByCoryDiaz) January 22, 2024
South Carolina showdown next
LSU has bounced back convincingly since a shocking five-point loss to Auburn last Sunday. The Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 78-58 before pounding Arkansas to improve their record to 18-2 and 5-1 in the Southeastern Conference.
Next up for Reese and LSU is a highly-anticipated matchup with undefeated South Carolina. The Gamecocks are the #1 women’s basketball team in the country, sporting a 17-0 record overall and a 5-0 mark in the SEC. But the Tigers believe they’re fully prepared to take down Kamilla Cardoso and the Gamecocks on Thursday night.
“We’re ready for it,” Reese said Sunday about the champs’ next challenge.
Angel Reese: “The big picture is Thursday and we’re ready for it.”#LSU plays No. 1 South Carolina Thursday night in the PMAC. pic.twitter.com/wyBzmpuePx
— Cory Diaz (@ByCoryDiaz) January 22, 2024
